So... what do you say when...

In my mind, the only acceptable response is a cheerful offering of thanks; I usually go for the simple tried-and-tested "thank you very much!". I believe that people will remember whatever response/attitude you have and attribute it to *every* owner of that marque, or exotics in general. For that reason, you kinda act as an ambassador to the marque in a not-insignificant way. Owners of exotics already get a bad rap (or a negative stereotype) and anything one can do to dispel those preconceived ideas benefits all exotic-owners...

 

Well said, Paul
+1

 

BritBlaster has it right. I find a humble "Well thank you very much!" to work wonders. If they are an aspiring owner, you just made their day. If they are full of contempt, at least you kept on the higher path.

Apologies for bursting into the Northwest section, but this post reminded me of a time I was at a gas station in a bad neighborhood one night. I was filling up my Spider when this crazy-eyed kid jumps out of nowhere & asks me hurridly, "Yo what you do?" I was in such shock that he came from nowhere that I couldn't respond, nor could I figure out what his intentions were. He finally asked "What was your major in school?" I told him and he jumped into a car & sped off. Took me a moment to realize he was asking me for career advice because he wanted a Ferrari one day, too!

You never know when you will have the chance to be a pivotal fork in the road for someone. Neither is it our responsibility to worry excessively about such.

 

There is passion about the F-Car. You should embrace the people who approach you. You are living their dream, let them into your world for a few seconds. Open the door, let them look in or even have them sit at the driver's seat. You will so make their day!

Imagine taking someone to lunch in an F50 on the 520, way too much fun

Happy New Year RumorDude!

 

I occasionally let a gawker sit in my car and I offer to take their picture for them. It absolutely makes their day (year)!

 

I usually tell 'em to piss off and not get anywhere close enough to the car to touch it.


OK just kidding. I usually do much like what Paul mentioned. Say thank you and politely answer any other questions they have. If it's the "how much did this thing cost" I usually say not as much as you might think to buy and way more than you'd think to fix!!

 

I just had someone walk into my garage yesterday as I was washing my other car. "Is that a Ferrari!?!?" as per usual the first thing uttered. I just as the rest have stated I try to be as open and welcoming to strangers as possible when they show interest in the car. 8 years old to 65 years old they all have the same passion for the car when seeing it in person. "Living the dream" for sure.

 

I usually keep it simple and say thanks or yes, I love it too... But I had a real interesting one the other day from one of our 30 million homeless residence in the Portland area the other day... I guess having a spider means that you want to talk to just anyone on the street, but oh well..

I pulled up to a stop light the the day and the younger kid walked up to the car and said "I was going to ask you for some spare change, but looking at your car do you have an extra hundred?".... I had a good laugh, and he was pretty creative so I gave him a hundred... Pennies that is, and then smiled... He shot me the thumbs up as I drove away... classic...

 

I've had people comment that I must be loaded because I drive a car like that, and really did have the opportunity to say, "Just the contrary, have any spare change?"

 

We answer their questions truthfully and offer them to sit in the car, after getting all sharp objects out of their pockets. Works every time. Heck, we had one guy that looked like he was about to take off his jeans. Seriously!!

 

So what's a girl to say? A F458, in my mid 30's, when I drive it alone it can be odd to scary.
Most of the time,I am with my husband; so much more fun; it is pure and simple OMG that you can hear yards away. But when I am alone (girls night out), guys can super agressive. I don't want to be a ***** but I am mostly ultra cold with some. Advice?

 

Oooo, that is tough. The best thing you can do is mention something about how you are super paranoid about driving it because it is you husbands pride and joy. Be very vocal about it being your HUSBANDS car and they may be a bit less aggressive.

Ehhh, hard problem to have :O) My wife is scared to death of my (our?) 355 because she is afraid she may scratch it or something. She doesn't drive it but is just scared to ride along.

 

Do the same. Two kids in a Celica followed me through a mall parking lot. They just sat in their car so I walked up to them and asked if they wanted to check it out. I let both of them sit in it, they were very appreciative.

 

I was scared to death to drive it alone the first time (what if something happen? Was lucky enough to get a parking spot right in my eyesight the whole time, hehe!) Imagine our brand new 458 with a flaw...
They guys who know and love F cars are just usually super nice, it's the other type of guys who just assume they can pick you up or are just plain pissed a girl is driving a better car around. And the group of young (25 and less) guys fooling around.
I was vocal about it being my husband but it did not deter the creeps. Only when my girlfriends got to me did they mellow down.
The real best part was to see them see me drive (they assume since you're a woman, you'll drive like an 85 year old blind arthritic grandma) . I am fairly agressive driving for a woman, which is so easy with this car). After they were mum.
Anyway, can't wait to drive it around again. Too much snow right now...

 

During the day no big deal, but at night when you see alcohol might be in the air ; it scares me.
When I see F fans following us, taking pics, etc, it also makes my day because I know that they just got an eyefull of an amazing thing (like I was before owning one!).

 

You have to put on the SottoZeros - best snow tires I have ever used. We were heading up to our place at Crystal Mt. today but got turned back in Auburn. 410 is closed due to down trees. May be tomorrow

 

I'm a total car nut and absolutely compliment people on their cars when I see them out and about, whether they're driving a 206 Dino or even an equally rare Tatra T603. I'm curious from your perspective as Ferrari owners how often people make snide comments about your vehicles? Never thought when I have complimented Ferrari owners in the past that they might be guarded because of prior experience with onlookers. Seems a bit sad to me that you have to worry about people being cross due to your choice of investment. From my perspective, any reply that shows your automotive enthusiasm speaks volumes.

I can tell you all this much, one of my vehicles is a 1986 VW Vanagon Syncro (AWD, Subaru engine swap, 5" H&R lift on extended trailing arms & Porsche 930 CV's). It turns heads like crazy...of all of the esoteric vehicles I have owned in my last 19 years as a driver, it by far gets more comments and attention on the road than the rest combined. And I absolutely love it. So if you see a guy in a mil-spec bus sporting Austrian plates giving you the thumbs up, you can rest assured that it's genuine.

And Mattyrae, you made those kids' day, I'm sure. Good on ya!

Jason

 

I won't show that to my husband. He is dying to take the 458 for a spin. 6 days and counting since last!

 

Humm, the more I think about it the more I understand. I would be really paranoid IF my wife were to drive the car by herself. Again she doesn't drive it, but if she did I would be scared for her as much as the car with the attention she would draw. Hot young women driving around Ferraris are few and far between.

 

I think you nailed it right there. As a true enthusiest getting an F car you don't expect it either, but soon you realize that some people are unpleasent to interact with for reasons beyond your control.